Custom Cabinet Design DerbyCall Now on - 01332-325444
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When it comes to creating your perfect kitchen space, nothing beats handmade kitchen cabinets that are built just for you. At Derby Kitchen Fitter, we don't just install kitchens - we create bespoke kitchen cabinets that transform your home and reflect your personal style.
With over 15 years of experience crafting custom cabinet design solutions throughout Derby and surrounding areas like Borrowash, Sandiacre, and Long Eaton, we bring together skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail that mass-produced units simply can't match.
Our team takes pride in designing and building custom cabinetry that fits your space perfectly - no awkward gaps, no wasted space, just beautiful, functional cabinets that will stand the test of time.
Cabinet Maker & Fitted Furniture Supplier Derby
As a dedicated cabinet maker in Derby, we offer a complete design to installation service. Our workshop produces handmade kitchen cabinets and fitted furniture that's miles ahead of off-the-shelf alternatives.
Ever noticed how standard cabinets never quite fit right? That's because they're made to standard sizes, not your home's unique dimensions. Our tailored kitchen cabinets are measured, designed and built specifically for your space, making the most of every inch.
"We chose Derby Kitchen Fitter for our awkward kitchen space after two other companies said it couldn't be done. John and his team designed custom built cabinets that transformed the room completely. We couldn't be happier!" - Tracey J., Ripley
Each piece is handcrafted in our Derby workshop using premium materials and traditional joinery techniques combined with modern technology. We're proud to be keeping these specialist skills alive right here in Derbyshire.
Why Choose Made to Measure Cabinets?
Standard cabinets often mean compromises. Maybe they're almost the right size, but not quite perfect. Or perhaps they don't match your existing furniture. With our custom cabinet solutions, you'll never need to compromise.
Our made to order cabinets offer:
- Perfect fit for your space - even in period properties or unusual layouts
- Choice of materials, colours and finishes - including colour matching to existing decor
- Clever storage solutions inside - designed around what you'll actually store
- Superior quality construction - built to last for decades, not years
- Fully bespoke service - from initial ideas to final installation
We're seeing more Derby homeowners investing in quality bespoke cabinetry rather than settling for mass-produced alternatives. There's a real shift towards supporting local craftspeople and getting something truly special rather than generic.
Our Custom Design Options
When you choose personalized kitchen cabinets from Derby Kitchen Fitter, you're not limited to what's available in a catalogue. We can create virtually any style of custom cabinetry design you can imagine.
Cabinet Door Styles
Your cabinet doors make the biggest visual impact in your kitchen. We offer countless styles including:
- Classic Shaker doors
- Modern flat panel designs
- Traditional raised panel
- Glass-fronted display cabinets
- Unique combinations of materials
All our door fronts are made using premium materials with proper joinery - not cheap MDF with glued-on edging that peels away after a few years.
Drawer Configurations
From deep pan drawers to delicate spice drawers, we'll configure your storage exactly how you need it:
- Soft-close mechanisms as standard
- Dovetail joints for strength and durability
- Custom dividers and organisers
- Special features like knife blocks or spice racks
- Heavy-duty runners that won't sag over time
One customer in Heanor recently asked us to create a special set of drawers for their baking equipment - with custom dividers for all their cake tins. It's these little details that make custom cabinet makers worth choosing.
Specialized Storage Features
Here's where custom cabinet ideas really shine. We can build in all sorts of special storage solutions:
- Pull-out pantry units
- Corner optimizers that eliminate wasted space
- Hidden appliance garages
- Built-in wine racks
- Custom plate racks
- Integrated spice storage
- Clever solutions for awkward spaces
These one of a kind cabinets make your kitchen work harder, keeping everything organised and accessible.
Material Selection
Quality starts with the right materials. We use only the finest:
- Solid timber frames for strength
- Marine-grade plywood for cabinet boxes (far superior to chipboard)
- Hardwood drawer boxes with proper joinery
- Solid wood, veneer or painted finishes
- Premium hardware that won't wear out
In fact, we recently completed a project in Ilkeston using locally-sourced oak for a stunning set of cabinets that will literally last generations.
Finishes and Colours
Our finishing department can create almost any look:
- Hand-painted in any colour
- Natural wood with clear protective finishes
- Distressed or antiqued effects
- Two-tone designs
- Custom colour matching to your existing decor
Last month we matched a custom blue shade perfectly to a customer's favourite pottery collection - creating designer kitchen cabinets that looked like they were made specifically for their treasured pieces (because they were!).
How Much Do Custom Kitchen Cabinets Cost in Derby?
This is probably the question we get asked most often, and it's a bit like asking "how much does a car cost?" - it depends on what you want!
Custom cabinets are an investment, typically starting from around £8,000 for a small kitchen, but varying widely based on:
- Size of your kitchen
- Materials chosen
- Complexity of design
- Special features required
- Installation requirements
While bespoke cabinetry costs more than standard units initially, they often work out better value long-term thanks to their durability and perfect fit. Our customers throughout Derby, Borrowash and surrounding areas tell us their custom cabinets still look fantastic 10-15 years later, while friends who chose cheaper options have already replaced theirs
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We're happy to provide a detailed quote after an initial consultation, with no pressure or obligation. We won't bamboozle you with confusing pricing - just clear options that help you make the right choice for your home and budget.
What's the Difference Between Bespoke and Off-the-Shelf Cabinets?
The differences go way beyond just looks:
Off-the-shelf cabinets:
- Made to standard sizes in factories
- Limited choice of styles and colours
- Often made from lower-grade materials
- Typically chipboard construction with thin veneers
- Designed to hit a price point, not for longevity
- May need filler panels to fit your space
- Generally cheaper initially, but may need replacing sooner
Bespoke kitchen cabinets:
- Built to your exact measurements
- Unlimited design possibilities
- Made from premium materials for durability
- Solid wood or high-quality plywood construction
- Designed to last decades
- Perfect fit with no wasted space
- Higher initial investment but better long-term value
One customer in Derby recently commented: "I wish we'd gone custom the first time around - we've spent more replacing poor quality units than we would have done getting it right the first time!"
Our Design Process
Creating unique cabinet design solutions isn't about simply building boxes. It's a carefully managed process that delivers exceptional results every time.
1. Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment
First, we visit your home for a friendly chat about what you need. We'll talk about:
- How you use your kitchen
- What's working (and not working) in your current setup
- Any specific storage challenges
- Your style preferences
- Budget considerations
This helps us understand what you're really looking for from your custom built cabinets.
2. Professional Measuring Service
We take detailed measurements of your space, noting any quirks or challenges like uneven walls, pipework, or unusual angles. This precision means your made to measure cabinets will fit perfectly.
3. Design Development
Our designers create initial concepts for your review, showing layout options and style ideas. We use professional CAD software to show you exactly what your custom cabinet solutions could look like.
4. Material and Finish Selection
Next, you'll choose materials, hardware and finishes. We'll guide you through the options, with samples you can see and touch. This is where your kitchen really becomes yours.
5. Technical Drawings and Specifications
We create detailed production drawings for our workshop team, specifying every dimension, material and technique to be used.
6. Handcrafted Manufacturing
Our skilled cabinet makers build every component in our Derby workshop. Each piece is carefully crafted using a combination of traditional techniques and modern equipment.
"Watching the team at work was amazing - the level of care and precision that goes into each cabinet is incredible. It's proper craftsmanship." - Mike D., Long Eaton
7. Professional Installation
Our fitting team handles installation with the same care and attention as the manufacturing process. They're tidy, respectful of your home, and won't leave until everything's perfect.
8. Final Inspection and Handover
We do a thorough inspection with you, making sure every door aligns perfectly, every drawer glides smoothly, and you're completely happy with your new custom cabinetry design.
Can Custom Cabinets Be Designed for Awkward Spaces?
Absolutely! In fact, this is where custom cabinet makers really shine. Those awkward corners, sloping ceilings, chimney breasts and other challenging features are no problem when your cabinets are made specifically for the space.
We've created solutions for:
- Unusually shaped rooms in period properties around Derby
- Odd corners in cottages in Borrowash
- Low ceilings in converted buildings in Sandiacre
- Spaces around structural features that can't be moved
- Areas with access limitations or obstacles
One of our most satisfying recent projects was in an old Victorian property in Alfreton with walls that weren't square and a chimney breast that dominated the room. We designed custom cabinets that worked with these features rather than fighting against them, creating a kitchen that looked like it had always been there.
Standard cabinets would have left awkward gaps and wasted space - our tailored kitchen cabinets made use of every inch.
What Materials Are Best for Custom Kitchen Cabinets?
The best material depends on your priorities, budget and the look you want to achieve. Here's a quick guide:
For cabinet boxes:
- Marine-grade plywood - our top recommendation for durability and moisture resistance
- Furniture-grade plywood - excellent strength and stability
- Solid wood - beautiful but more susceptible to movement with temperature changes
- MDF - more stable than solid wood but less durable (we use this selectively)
For doors and drawer fronts:
- Solid hardwoods (oak, maple, walnut) - timeless beauty that improves with age
- Hand-painted finishes on MDF - perfect for contemporary styles
- Veneered panels - real wood beauty with improved stability
- Combination approaches - mixing materials for the best of both worlds
We can advise on the best choices for your specific needs during consultation. Generally, we recommend investing in the highest quality materials your budget allows, as they'll look better and last longer.
How Long Does the Custom Cabinet Process Take?
From initial consultation to finished installation, most projects take 6-12 weeks. This breaks down roughly as:
- Design and planning: 1-2 weeks
- Material ordering: 1-2 weeks
- Manufacturing: 3-6 weeks
- Installation: 1-2 weeks
Larger or more complex projects may take longer. We'll provide a detailed timeline during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Unlike some companies that rush through projects, we believe in taking the time to get things right. Our customers throughout Derby and surrounding areas like Ripley and Heanor tell us the wait is absolutely worth it for the quality and attention to detail they receive.
Benefits of Our Custom Cabinet Design
Choosing Derby Kitchen Fitter for your bespoke cabinetry brings numerous advantages:
Perfect Fit for Any Space
No more awkward gaps or wasted space. Our cabinets are built precisely to your room's dimensions, making the most of every inch - especially important in Derby's charming period properties where nothing is quite standard!
Maximized Storage Efficiency
We design around what you'll actually store, not generic assumptions. This means your kitchen works for YOU - whether you're an enthusiastic baker who needs space for specialist equipment or a busy family needing practical organisation solutions.
Exceptional Build Quality
Our cabinets aren't just built to look good on installation day - they're engineered to stand the test of time. We use proper joinery techniques, quality materials, and hardware that won't fail after a few months.
Local Craftsmanship
By choosing us, you're supporting skilled local trades and keeping traditional craftsmanship alive in Derby. We're proud of our Derbyshire heritage and the quality workmanship our region is known for.
Increased Property Value
Quality bespoke fitted furniture adds real value to your home. Estate agents across Derby consistently tell us that custom kitchens featuring handmade cabinet work are a major selling point.
Environmental Benefits
Our custom built cabinets are designed to last decades, not years - reducing waste and the environmental impact of frequent replacements. We source timber responsibly and minimise waste in our manufacturing processes.
Areas We Serve
We provide our custom cabinet design services throughout Derby and surrounding areas including:
- Long Eaton
- Ilkeston
- Heanor
- Ripley
- Alfreton
- Borrowash
- Sandiacre
- Clay Cross
- Somercotes
- And other areas within approximately 20 miles of Derby
Each area has its own architectural character, and we take this into account when designing your cabinets. For example, the Victorian terraces of Ilkeston often benefit from different approaches than the newer properties in Long Eaton.
Recent Custom Cabinet Projects
We've completed stunning custom cabinet projects throughout Derby and surrounding areas. Here are a few recent examples:
Georgian Townhouse Kitchen, Derby City Centre The challenge: Creating period-appropriate cabinetry with modern functionality Our solution: Hand-crafted in-frame cabinets with dovetailed drawers and traditional hardware, but incorporating modern storage solutions inside.
Cottage Kitchen, Borrowash The challenge: Uneven walls and low ceilings Our solution: Fully scribed cabinetry that follows the contours of the building, with specially designed low-profile upper cabinets
Modern Family Kitchen, Long Eaton The challenge: Creating a contemporary handleless look that would stand the test of time Our solution: Custom flat-panel doors with integrated pulls and premium soft-close mechanisms
Kitchen/Dining Room Extension, Ilkeston The challenge: Blending the kitchen cabinetry with dining room storage for a cohesive look Our solution: Coordinated cabinet designs that transition seamlessly between spaces while serving different functions
What Our Customers Say
Don't just take our word for it - here's what some recent customers have said about their custom cabinet projects:
"The attention to detail is incredible - I keep opening and closing drawers just to see how perfectly they work!" - Maisie S., Derby
"We had three other companies tell us our awkward corner couldn't be used efficiently. Derby Kitchen Fitter designed a solution that gave us 50% more storage than we thought possible." - Sidney and Lisa M., Sandiacre
"Worth every penny. It's been five years and our kitchen still looks brand new - meanwhile my sister has already had to replace parts of her 'budget' kitchen twice." - Carrie W., Heanor
FAQs About Custom Cabinet Design
Do you just do kitchens or other rooms too?
We create custom cabinet solutions for any room: bathrooms, bedrooms, home offices, living rooms, utility spaces, and more. The same quality and attention to detail goes into every project.
Can you match the existing woodwork in my home?
Yes! We're experts at matching existing woodwork, cabinetry, or colour schemes. We can take samples and create finishes that blend seamlessly with your current decor.
Do you offer a warranty?
All our bespoke cabinetry comes with a comprehensive 10-year warranty on workmanship and materials. This reflects our confidence in the quality of our work.
Can I see examples of your work?
Yes, we have a portfolio of completed projects you can view, and we're happy to arrange visits to our workshop where possible. We can also put you in touch with previous customers who are willing to share their experiences.
Do you handle the entire project or just the cabinets?
We offer everything from cabinet-only services to complete project management including plumbing, electrical work, flooring, tiling, and decorating. The choice is yours.
Ready to Start Your Custom Cabinet Journey?
Your dream kitchen with beautiful handmade cabinets is just a phone call away. Contact Derby Kitchen Fitter today to arrange your free, no-obligation consultation: Phone: 01332-325444
We'd love to hear about your project and show you how our custom cabinet design services can transform your space
Derby Kitchen Fitter
One-Stop-Shop
For Everything Kitchens and More!
01332-325444